Xbox Live
Playing games online with Xbox Live
Xbox Live is an online console video gaming service for the Microsoft Xbox console that works using the
built-in Ethernet port. Xbox Live is a broadband gaming solution to enable you to simultaneously
play Xbox games and communicate by voice with others around the world.
Xbox Live will enable all gamers to find their friends easily, talk to
other players during game play through the Xbox Communicator headset,
download current statistics, new levels and characters to their Xbox
hard drive, and play online. When it comes out, the
Xbox Live feature-set for
the Xbox 360 will be even better and more extensive.
Features of Xbox Live games
Standard Xbox Live game features across all Xbox Live multiplayer games include:
- Gamertag is a gamer's unique online ID for all games across the global gaming service.
-
Friends list This feature allows gamers to find friends online and
invite them to a game, no matter which Xbox Live game they're playing.
- Xbox Communicator Voice communication is integrated with all Xbox Live
multiplayer games and enables voice interaction with teammates and
opponents. Key elements of this feature exclusive to Xbox include voice
masking, global muting and parental control.
- Matchmaking Quick Match enables players to enter a multiplay
experience with a single button-click, and OptiMatch, an Xbox Live
exclusive, helps them select games and opponents based on similar skill
levels.
- High-speed content downloads to the Xbox hard disk Xbox Live offers
console gamers the ability to download and permanently store both free
and for-a-fee content that can include new levels, characters, missions
and statistics.
Xbox Live Launch Schedule - how to sign up
Microsoft's Xbox Live broadband game service has launched in North America and also in Europe and Japan.
The exact launch dates in other regions will be driven by content availability. The best way
for gamers to sign up for the opportunity to participate is by
registering at Xbox.com.
How much does Xbox Live cost?
In North America, the Xbox Live service costs $49.95,
which includes 12 months of service, the Xbox Communicator headset and
pack-in games.
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